Child safety
Explore the resources below to learn important ways to keep your child safe. You’ll find useful tips and resources about different safety topics. There are many ways to keep your child safe. Learn about many child safety topics on the Early Childhood Texas (ECT) website.
Programs to help keep children safe:
Family Violence Program
The Family Violence Program helps keep adults and children safe from family and dating violence. It offers emergency shelter, teaches the public, trains others, and more. All services are free, and you don’t need to prove your income.
Suicide Prevention Program
The Health and Human Services Suicide Prevention Program helps lower the number of suicides in Texas. It shares ways to spot suicide risks, studies data about suicide, and offers training on how to prevent and respond to suicide.
Family and Protective Services
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) takes reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Some of the types of reports taken are child abuse and neglect, and abuse of children in child care facilities.
Children’s health
There are health and healthcare programs that may support your family. These programs can help with doctor visits, vaccines, check-ups, and other care your child may need to stay healthy and strong.
Learn about health and healthcare programs that your family may be eligible for and apply on the Texas Health and Human Services website.
Children’s nutrition
Find out more about nutrition programs that help families get healthy food and learn how to feed their children well. You’ll also find easy tips and advice to keep your child eating healthy and growing strong.
Nutrition support
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Is a program that gives eligible school children free or reduced-cost meals. Learn about the NSLP on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website or contact your local school district to find out how to apply.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible families afford the food they need by providing food benefits to supplement their grocery budget. Learn about SNAP eligibility and apply on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) helps eligible pregnant mothers and families with buying healthy food. There are also nutrition resources for pregnant women, new mothers and children up to 5 years old. Learn about WIC eligibility and apply on the Texas Health and Human Services WIC website.
Your Texas Benefits has information about state benefit programs. Learn about available benefit programs, eligibility, and apply for benefits on the Your Texas Benefits website.
MyPlate has many resources on healthy foods, food groups, budget-friendly food ideas, life stages, and recipes. Learn about MyPlate on the USDA website.
Children with disabilities or special needs
Every child learns and grows in their own way. Some children may need extra support because of a disability or special need—and that’s okay. As a parent, you don’t have to figure it out alone. This page is here to help you learn about the services, programs, and tools available for families like yours. Whether you’re just starting to look for support or already have a diagnosis, you’ll find helpful tips and resources to guide you and support your child’s learning, growth, and everyday needs.
The Children with Special Healthcare Needs and Services Program helps eligible families with children and young adults age 20 and younger who have special health care needs and people with cystic fibrosis of any age improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Learn about the Children with Special Healthcare Needs and Services Program, eligibility, and apply on the Texas Health and Human Services website.
Popular resources
A statewide program for eligible families with children birth to 36 months with developmental delays, disabilities, or certain medical diagnoses. Learn more and search for an ECI Program in your area.
A central hub for the network of parent centers serving families of children with disabilities. Review family-friendly information and research-based materials, receive e-newsletters, and much more.
Resources for families whose children have, or are at-risk for, developmental delays or disabilities across a variety of early childhood settings. Learn how to support your child’s health and development.
Resources for families raising children with disabilities. Learn about healthcare, education, financial assistance, family support, and more.